Newark Fire Station Swears in five new firefighters

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Five firefighters were sworn into the Newark Fire Station 1 this morning.

Newark Fire Station 1 located on 75 S. 4th Street was crowded today with family, friends, and co-workers for the swearing-in of John Guegold, Brian Neighbor, Austin Von Dach, Shane Ward, and Mason Wilkins. Chief Patrick Connor said it takes about four months to get firefighters sworn in with interviewing, training, background and mental tests.

Photo By: Quay DeVoll

“Our lives are dependent upon one another,” Connor said. “So we form very close bonds with the firefighters over the years, become friends with family and extended family and so forth. So we really enjoy having them come on and be a part of our family here.”

Connor said a big reason they’re able to swear in so many firefighters is thanks to FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants also known as the SAFER Grant Fund.

“One of these firefighters is funded through SAFER, we have nine firefighters on SAFER here at the Newark Fire Department. This particular firefighter today is completely funded for two years salary and benefits, and then at the end of two years we completely fund that firefighter from there forward.”

The City of Newark has received $1,213,570 through three SAFER Grants.